[EVENT] Dark Rumors (Closed!)

[Mimsey]

He smiled thinly, even as Ukuba relayed his tale. Veru was not a hardened firekin, but he made great effort not to dwell too much on the negative. There had been a time in his life, that faced with what they were facing now, he might have run. A lot had changed in the white lion since coming to the Motoujamii. "You don't have to trust us. We aren't asking for anything except you not join up with them. Things may seem bleak but if the Nergui ever got ahold of a plague like this...It wouldn't be just our problem. If the Nergui want this thing you carry, it isn't just to spook around."

He stopped short of saying no one sane would subject such a thing upon themselves- but truthfully, he had no idea how this group saw their affliction. They seemed to speak of something or someone reverently. But while he wasn't sure what it might have meant to them, it was clear they had no intention of spreading it elsewhere. If there were gods involved in this place, they certainly hadn't chosen this group needlessly.

The Nergui, however, would.

"It isn't all bleak," the white lion offered. Not to make light of the situation, but despair could be a dangerous thing. "From what we can tell, they'll have to cross through the desert to get here. And we're already in place to shut down that border should we need to." They could also travel over the mountains, or go even further and come at them from the west... but better not to dwell on that just yet.  

[Mogami]

Dumaka stepped aside to give the old Vizier more than enough room to leave. His head tilted briefly in confusion but he said nothing on the matter as his eyes soon returned to his Queen. Saying that they were an independent pride was a very interesting way of explaining that few would ever want anything to do with the Kitwana’antara and their diseased members… for free, at least. There were prides that provided services to rogues or other prides for a fee. Assassins, mercenaries, thieves and spies… could they possibly afford to request help against an army of well-trained warriors? Hiding wasn’t really an option – they were hardly a discreet group – and running away wasn’t feasible when their pride consisted so strongly of young, sick and dying members. In his worst days, Dumaka was aware he could barely take one step outside his den so the idea of forcing the sickly to travel was simply unimaginable.

He remained quiet, his expression almost stubborn as he considered their lack of options and listened to Veru's hopeful words. He refused to say anything in front of the Firekin but he knew there would much to discuss after the guests had left.  

[Tanakako]

noxilicious

Caoilainn heard the leopard coming up along side her and smiled down at him, welcoming him to the gathering but not willing to interrupt the talks currently going on, so in a soft whisper she replied. "As well as can be expected.. " Giving a tiny shrug she glanced up at her father before returning her attention to their Queen and the group of red and white lions.


Sliabh had been listening quietly. After all he was never much of a talkative creature, even less so in such situations as this. Instead he listened and absorbed the information, taking it into his memory so he could recite the entire dialogue back to his mate once he returned to their den. Eva would be concerned he knew, not only for their own large family, but for all the youngsters and sick lions in the pride, her patients.

When things settled down and they started swoping everything they knew on this barbaric war-driven plague of a pride, Sliabh truly wondered how the Kitwana would get themselves out of this situation. They had faced wars in the past, but never before had a pride come to them specifically o be infected with their gift. It was truly beyond his imagination as to why the Nergui thought the disease would do them any good... but who was he to suppose the pride of devils were even sane? As an immune lion himself, he had seen more death and suffering in his lifetime than any lion his age had a right to experience. Glancing back over his shoulder towards the center of his homeland, he felt fear creep up along his spine, fear for his family, fear for his pride... Yet he was his family's patriarch, father to several generations, he would do all within his power to keep them safe.

As ever he turned to his Queen, Nawiri. No matter what she decided, no matter what task she gave him, Sliabh would not falter or refuse.


Souzan had stayed quiet, listening to his elders and to the strangers of the pride that inhabited this strange wasteland. He could see the predicament this Kitwana'antara pride had found themselves in. Unlike himself and his brethren, they could not travail, could not defend themselves.. Such a thing he could barely even imagine and yet they were facing exactly that. Helpless and vulnerable to a superior force. He had to give them credit, while some of them looked decidedly nervous, many seemed just as resolute. And even a few looked ready for a fight...

Shaking his head slightly he wondered what would become of this pride if he and his own left them to the not so tender mercies of their enemy. Pain and death, h was certain, and it sat wrong with him that it should even be considered. The gods certainly were cruel if they would curse the Kitwana with such a fate after so many years of suffering under their apparent patron goddess.  

[wooga Paes]

His ears laid back. There really weren't many options for them, and it did seem the firekin were the only thing stopping the nergui from reaching these lions (and company). "Perhaps..." He frowned. "Individuals do move faster than armies. If we close up the border," Now he was talking more to Veru and Seide, because in the end he had no power to guarantee anything.

"They could leave someone with us." Ideally an immune lion, to avoid conflict, but he found it best not to voice that. The firekin would already be receiving an ambassador from the Ithambo'hlabathi, anyways. "To come back and warn them, should the nergui break through. Until then, there would be time to work out an escape plan, if necessary." Or at all possible.  

[Tanakako]

Sliabh looked over at the one speaking, not truly able to understand the red lions military mindset but paying attention nonetheless. When the suggestion of the need for an ambassador he glanced round, knowing that not only must the lion who volunteered be immune, but he or she needed to have a level head and not be prone to rush into things. Unfortunately he didn't know for sure how many of the latter also fit the former. Flicking a glance at Nawiri he then looked over his daughters, knowing he would do anything for them, for all his family.

Caoilainn felt her father's glance and looked up at him. Grey was just starting to show on his muzzle and the odd streak highlighted his mane. She knew he was still in the prime of his life, but he also shouldered a lot of responsibility, not only as a father to an extensive family line, but also as an immune lion in a largely diseased pride. He was almost an elder now, despite his comparatively young years, simply because so few lions made it to adulthood, let alone beyond.

He had too much to loose, and would deprive the pride of too much if he was lost, so she decided that if he tried to volunteer for anything, she would go in his place. After all she was just as immune as he and through she might not have his experience behind her, she was no novice when it came to rogue living.  

[Mimsey]

Veru considered it a moment, before responding to Spaki. "They may not have the people to spare. If all that is needed is a runner, we can send one of ours." They weren't about to just up and pull people from their homes after just arriving.

...and the other reason. Veru wasn't sure if the firekin, even the sentinels, would take to a lion from this pride, immunity or not. There would be always be that lingering question. It might be something needed in desperation, but better to tackle that problem when it came.

An escape plan seemed like a good option too. "If the Nergui came, surely you wouldn't hold your ground here? Is there a place for you to fall back to? Would it be worth it just leaving these lands and traveling further south?"  

[~Masamune~]

Nili'asikari couldn't help but gasp as the one named Ukuba spoke of how he and his kind had suffered at the paws of the Nergui. The Kitwana'antara themselves had endured some very difficult times in their past, but he still struggled to imagine just how bad it must've been for the Hongshan. Especially considering they were a Pride of Warriors. If they couldn't stop the Nergui, than who could?

"I think we can trust them." The navy wild dog got to his feet and stretched out his legs, having apparently grown tired of sitting. What reason was there not to? They may not have looked like the friendliest bunch, but then neither did the Kitwana'antara.

At the mention of allies, Nili'asikari's ears drooped slightly. There really was no one they could turn to, no one they could count on except for themselves. If the Firekin were unable to help them, they needed some kind of plan. So far, their only options seemed to be 'run' or 'fight', neither of which were particularly appealing or even feasible. What were they going to do?

Ukuba looked rather solemn, as some of the Kitwana'antara reacted quite badly to what he had to say. The Vizier named Modya was actually forced to leave, seemingly very upset by what had been said. "I am sorry. It was not my intention to upset anyone." The dark red lion lowered his gaze. This diseased pride needed to know exactly what they were up against, for their own good. If the Hongshan had had that knowledge prior to the invasion, he was certain that things would've turned out differently.

The Kitwana'antara was not the Hongshan though. They were not warriors. So even with the knowledge of what was coming, he was unsure how much they could alter their fate on their own. It all seemed very grim indeed. When Veru spoke up once more, Ukuba gave a small nod of his head. "This is true." So maybe the Firekin could help, with what was already in place. There was simply no guarantees at this point though. Escape seemed like the most logical option for the Kitwana'antara.

When Veru asked about an escape plan, Ukuba turned to the Queen of the Kitwana'antara, awaiting her answer. It was unlike the Firekin to run from a fight, but that was only because they were so sure of their ability to win. For the Kitwana'antara, there would be no shame in running from the Nergui, as in doing so they would be saving themselves as well as keeping the disease away from the Nergui.  

[Talencia]

As the tale was told, the young hybrid looked more worried, ears angled backwards and whiskers spread. She listened as ideas began to be traded about, and decided she wanted to be with her father after all. The rude lions seemed distracted from her now, so she slunk up behind Sliabh, and wormed her way between her father and one of her oldest sisters. With wide, youthful eyes she looked up at them with hope in her eyes. They'd figure it out, right? These bad lions wouldn't destroy them, would they? But like a good child, despite being in her 'rebellious' teen stage, she kept quiet in the face of the strangers and issues that were bigger than one little scared hybrid female.


Tara sat and frowned, deep in thought. It seemed very nearly hopeless, and she had little to offer of help in the situation. This was one of those times she wished her visions worked towards the future instead of towards the past. She could offer no reassurances, no helpful information. It chafed at her, but she was not an anxious lioness. Despite her worry, she had a deep faith that things would work out, somehow and someway. She had full faith in the deities, if they appealed to them. But hopefully, these massive Firekin would find a way to assist them, a way to bolster their defense and give them a fighting chance... or a fleeing chance, if it came to that.  

[Mogami]

“I’m too young to have known it but we are no strangers to war. And in a pride like ours, cubs are precious to us.” Dumaka spoke as Ukuba’s eyes followed the Vizier. He couldn’t be certain of what had upset the older lion but it wasn’t difficult to consider a few likely possibilities after hearing the gruesome tale and confirming they were facing the possibility of the complete annihilation of the Kitwana’antara.

It wasn’t long until the Guard was frowning again, breathing heavily as he grew increasingly frustrated with the Firekin’s words. Escape plan? Traveling? He couldn’t even begin to imagine what it would be like for the ill to be forced to walk a long distance under the threat of a violent pride of warriors who would stop at nothing to take the mark of Pestilence. Just the thought of it was enough to bring a nagging itch to the striped lion’s throat.

“Travelling… is complicated.” He said at last, his eyes returning to the Queen, wondering if she would confirm or deny that possibility in front of the Firekin.  

[Annchen]

Jabez had the decency to look ashamed when his queen reminded him that their pride never turned anyone away. He knew some lions and others simply stayed with them for a while without ever fully joining the pride. As long as they weren’t exposed to the disease they could come and go. They couldn’t afford to turn anyone away, or force creatures to stay if they hadn’t been infected. Sure, there had been instances of rogue lions managing to slip in and eat from the wrong kill, and that was another matter. They got to stay, or “disappeared”. He’d heard stories among the other scouts, and might have to help with such matters eventually.

“I would be more comfortable if I knew they were devoted to the pride,” he said and looked to the side.

The Nergui were bad news, but he didn't know these lions and they didn't know his pride. And without understanding it was hard to find solutions that fit.  

[Uta]

Nawiri pricked her ears, even as she listened to the conversation surrounding her. They needed to keep communication open between their prides, certainly, and while contingency plans had been made on where the very ill might fall back . . . with the tendency of the Nergui, with their brutality, it was very possible that it wouldn't be enough.

To pick up from their lands, to move elsewhere. . . .

Where could they go? They had no allegiances with other prides, and the strangers didn't seem to realize exactly how debilitating a disease as was the on they suffered. There were many that would be lost on the journey, and many more who might fall behind. Some were walking a frail line between sickness and health, and picking up to leave their home and wander the rogue lands, to resettle elsewhere. . . .it might hurt them.

But if they stayed, and if the Nergui returned, they would be damned from the start and potentially risk infecting so many others.

Either way, Nawiri understood it would not be right to demand or even request the red-strangers to protect them. While they were fighting the same enemy, it sounded as if they red-coated Firekin would need their resources. No. They would make due with what they had -- they wouldn't beg aid from strangers just because they were larger. They needed to defend themselves against the Nergui all the same.

"If the Nergui are out to harm your pride as well, then it goes to show neither of us have many resources to spare. You will need every able bodied fighter to stand against them as well." That put them in a difficult spot. Perhaps if they could not send a cheetah or an obvious feline or wild dog, they could send a smaller animal.

"If your defenses fall, if there is an attack, it would not do you well to spare a messenger. Truly we are stuck between a rock and a hard place. . . . " She offered a small smile, even though the tension caused her brows to knit and the light did not reach her gaze.

"Things look bleak indeed, but we are alive today. And we have every intention to keep on living, until the Great Lady calls us to her side. There is a great many things my people and I need decide, especially with now knowing what we may be up against in the Nergui. But that is a pridal affair. . . . I do not believe in hopelessness, but I also know that there are some things which have no simple or easy answers.

"Regardless what becomes of the Kitwana, in the mean time, what would be the best way to keep tabs on your situation? While neither of us can spare bodies, should then we rely instead of paws, but wings?" She glanced to her kin before back to the strangers. "We have some avians, small, inconspicuous, but fast. . . and dependable. I know you are from the deserts but . . . would you object if a few were used between the prides? At the very least, they make dependable eyes from above."

It was the only suggestion she could consider that didn't deplete the strangers numbers, or their own. The birds could at least travel swiftly between prides, and give notice if the Kitwana moved. . . or if the Firekin found themselves in trouble. It was a possible compromise. Even the littlest of creatures could be used for great things, after all. . . . And most importantly, the Nergui might not suspect, notice, or care.
 

[Excited Apathy]

Nuria had been quiet for a long while, her eyes flicking from stranger to stranger. She saw their dismay at the Hongshan's story, saw it upset one of them so much that he turned and left rather than hear more. Her sympathy was limited--the truth was harsh, but there was nothing to gain from softening the blow when the Nergui had taken such an interest in this pride. If they didn't know what they were up against now, they would find out later, and they would like that much less.

The issue of communication...that was a tricky one. Neither side could spare possible fighters. "If there are birds in the Firekin that will agree to it, that sounds like it could work," she finally said, glancing at Seide and Veru to see what their own reactions would be.  

[Mimsey]

Ehhh, birds. Veru's most hated creature. He attempted to hide the slight wince as he considered it. Birds lived a life far removed from the world on the land. While they had their place- he couldn't see the regents agreeing to relying solely on a creature that had very little stake in the conflict. "Birds are...useful..." he started, his shoulders bunching. "But they're no substitute for a soldier. We are a large pride, and if our borders fall, one warrior will not change the tide of battle."

He jerked his head, indicating the sentinels behind him. "Our group's sole purpose is representing the firekin elsewhere. Its a loss in numbers we can afford for now. When the time comes, most of us will fall back to the lands, but we will not withdraw completely."

But communication went both ways. While he might not have cared much for the winged creatures, they probably would be preferable to any other the kitwana might send on their side. And the firekin may have a handful of reliable birds... he just wasn't willing to bet their risk of infection on it. "But birds can certainly fill a role if you believe that is best."

It killed him a little.

"But until then, they are not at our heels. You say the nergui were in these lands? We have some lions trained for tracking. If we could, I'd like to send those out to see if they can follow any sort of trail that might be left. For the rest..." he rose his head up, watching the ever darkening sky. They probably wouldn't escape rainfall at this point. "If you wish, a few of our more temperate fellows can remain behind a few days and be of whatever assistance they can. We firekin don't have many talents, but we train in one exceedingly well."

They'd always been a people of war.  

[Kimaria]

Netravati had been quiet for a long time - for her, in any case - silently mulling over the possible routes this story might take. On one side she could picture the great red lions leading their own warriors to war. Fighting side by side and claiming victory - one that would be remembered for years to come. But with the sudden lapse in mood and the realisation that these Nergui could be true villains, she had begun to wonder...

Perhaps this story would not have glory at all.

They might run and hide. Or maybe much worse. Much, much worse. How far would the pride go to ensure that the disease didn't get out? What would the infected be prepared to do? She gave a low sound of displeasure in the back of her throat and leaned against Dumaka without truly realising it. She had had no sign of the disease but she lived in hope that she would contract it someday. Lived in hope that she was not immune. Not a carrier. That she would be blessed with it and, in time, was called to her own death. But she was no fighter either. She was seemingly useless.

"One of the Red Knights should stay." She chimed after a moment. Or one at the very least.  

[Mogami]

Just listening to the Queen was enough to comfort the striped Guard and strengthen his resolve. One ear flickered when Netravati made a little sound and Dumaka looked down silently and stood his ground as if he were a very large boulder when she leaned against him. He opened his mouth to give her a few words of reassurance but he realized that most of the things that crossed his mind were either empty words or downright lies. He could tell her everything would be alright, that they would find a way to keep the pride safe and that could take on the Nergui if they simply organized themselves better. But Dumaka was becoming painfully aware at just how desperate their situation truly was and the steady and hopeful words of the Queen were much appreciated – perhaps even needed.

He looked up at the Firekin with a sudden surge of curiosity in his eyes, wondering if any of the large lions would want to risk staying so close to the disease.